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Dubai pays weight watchers in gold

Getty Images
Getty Images

Need some motivation to shift some weight? How about a gram of gold for every kilogram lost?

That's the latest health initiative from officials in Dubai. In a bid to curb the growing waistlines of the mostly wealthy population, the local government is offering a gram of gold – worth nearly $AUS45 today - for each kilogram of weight lost in a 30-day challenge. The programme, called "Your Weight in Gold" runs from July 19 to August 16.

To make the 'team' and be eligible to cash in, participants must lose a minimum of two kilograms.

The Associated Press reports Dubai official Hussain Lootah as saying there is no limit on the payout for the golden losers, who must sign up and weigh in Friday.


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The first of three top winners (those who lose the most weight during the programme) will also be eligible to win a gold coin worth Dh20,000 - or $AUS5897 - through a lucky draw.

The plan is the latest attempt to encourage healthier lifestyles in the United Arab Emirates. Across the Gulf Arab states, authorities have raised alarms about rising obesity from increasing fast-food diets and lack of exercise.


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